Apparatus for forming and soldering can-bodies.



PATENTED FEB. 20, 1906;

L. G. SHARP.

' APPARATUS FOR FORMING AND SOLDERING CAN BODIES.

APPLICATION FILED JAN.7.1902.

7 SHEETSSHEET 1.

A TTOHW E W/ TNE SSE S PATENTED FEB. 20, 1 906.

L. O. SHARP. APPARATUS FOR FORMING AND SOLDERING CAN BODIES.

APPLICATION FILED JAN. 7,-1902.

7 SHEETS-SHEET 2.

WITNESSES M f B No. 812,955. PATBNTED FEB. 20, 1906.

- L. 0. SHARP. APPARATUS FOR FORMING AND SOLDERING CAN BODIES.

APPLICATION IILED JAN. 7, 1902.

7 SHEETS-$11331 3.

lea aJ /lar a PATENTED FEB. 20, 1906.

' L. G. SHARP.

APPARATUS FOR FORMING AND SOLDERI-NG CAN BODIES.

APPLICATION FILED JAN. 7. 1902.

7 SHEETSSHEET 4.

WITNESSES ATO PATENTED FEB. 20, 1906.

L. G. SHARP. APPARATUS FOR FORMING AND SOLDERING CAN BODIES.

APPLICATION FILED JAN. 7. 1902.

7 SHBBTSSHEET 5.

//v VENTOH Z 66 6172a 17:) BY

WITNESSES ATTORNEYS PATENTED FEB. 20, 1906 L. G. SHARP. APPARATUS FOR FORMING A-ND SOLDERING CAN BODIES.

APPLIGATION FILED JAN. 7. 1902.

7 SHEETS-SHEET 6.

M/ VENTOH v.Zae (f flalyfi WITNESSES ATTOHN PATENTED FEB. 20, 1906.

L. 0. SHARP. APPARATUS FOR FORMING AND SOLDERING CAN BODIES.

APPLICATION FILED JAN- 7. 1902.

7 SHEETS-SHEET 7.

lNi/ENTOR lee Cfl/zar WITNESSES.-

A TTOHNE YS,

UNITED sTAT s PATEN OFFICE. v

LEE 0. SHARP, oF oMAHA', N BRASK ASSIGNOR TO AMERICAN, CAN

COMPANY, OF NEW YORK, Y., A coEroRATioN OF NEW JERSEY.

APPARATUSFOR FJOFIMING AND SOL'DERlNG CANQBODIES.

Specification of Iietters'Patent. Application filed anuary. 7,1902. Serial No. 88,776-

. Patented-Feb. 20, 1906.

' Can-Bodies, of which the following is a full,

vIO

clear, and exact description.

The invention relates to machines in'which a carrier or former is provided having folding wings andbeing adapted to engage a blank or sheet of tin or other metal and fold it into I proper forr'n, the carrier passing on to the.

v the carrier-wings with respect thereto.

- line 8 8 of Fig. 9.

. soldering devices, which seal the seam, after which the can is ejected fromthe machine.

-In my invention the carrier moves continuously and Without reversal throughout the entire operation of the machine, and the various steps performed by it do not involve the interruption of the movement of the carrier,- thus making a fast machine.

The invention also involves eculiar means for automatically feeding the s sets or blanks of tin to the machine, thus dispensing with an o erator to stand by the :machine' and stea ily feed the blanks thereinto. The invention also involves various minor features of construction and combinations Q will be fully ointed out hereinafteri- This speci cation is an exact description of one example of my invention, while the claims define the actual scope thereof.

Reference is to be had to the accompanying drawings, forming a partof this specification, in Lwhich similar characters of reference indicate corresponding parts in all the views. Figure 1 is a side elevation of the machine embodying my invention. Fig. 2 is-a plan view of the same. Fig. 3 is a front end elevation showing parts broken away. Fig.4 is an enlarged plan view of the soldering device. Fig. 5 is a section on the line 5 5 of Fig. 4. Fig. 6 is a section on the line 6 6 of Fig. 4. Fig. 7 is an enlarged cross-sectionof the solder-duct, showing the position of the can nd 1 8 is a longitudinal section of the carrier on tli e Fig. 9 is a cross-section on the line 9 9 of Fi 8. Fig; 10 is a detail View of the ejector. Ti 11 is aview showing a modified form of t e feed device. Figs. 12., 13, and 14 are detail views illustrating the device for receiving the blank tinfrom the lat can-bodies.

'adapytlid'for forming a rectan g e is also capable of ma 'ng lap or.lock-* chme. parts, as

feeding device and holding it until engaged V by the carrier, these views also illustrating 5 5 slight modifications in the said device where'- by to crimp the ends of the can-blank, which operation'is necessary in forming round canbodies as contradi'sti'nguished from rectangu Fig.1 5 is a section on the llne 15 15 of Fig. 1. I Fig. 16 is a fragmentary section showing the carrier-wings at the start of the closing movement. Fi 11 is a section of the cam-tracks at. the polnt 17 17 Fig. 1, showing the carrier-wings abouthalf closed.

Fig. 18 1s a section of said tracks at the point v fully 18'18, Fi 1, showing thecarrienwings closed. ig. 19 is a section of the win -.0pen ing tracks at the point 19 19, Fig. 1, s owing the carrier-wings halfopen; and Fig. 2.0 is a and its wings with respect to the opening tracks at the point 20 20, Fig. 1.

of any cross-sectional shape desired, this de-- pending upon the shape of the carried The carrier shown in the present drawings is lar'zcan. The mac seams. The drawings .show a lapeseam masection showing the position of the carrier 2Oii1dicates the stationaryframing of the I mounted, respectively, 'transver'se' shafts 121 and 22. The shaftsare horizontal and carry sprocket-wheels 23 and 24, over which runs a ain 25, to which are attached the carriers, as will be fully described hereinafter. FaLstoned to the shaft 21 is a spur-gear 26, and thisgear is meshed with a pinion 27 on the drive-shaft 28.

apparatus, in the end portions of which are The drive-shaft 28 has a band-pulley 29 and a clutch 30. -(See Fig.3.)

Movement for driving the running parts of'the machine is primarily applied to the shaft 28.

The carriers which receive and fold the tin into the form of the can-body and hold it durdetail by Fi s. 8 and.9.' These carriers each comprise a back wall 31, which constitutes, essentially, the body of the carrier, these back walls standing at right angles to the direction of the run of thechain 25. At the inner, end of the back. wall 31 a longitudinally. extending bar 32 is located, and this bar carries at its rear end a transverse shaft 33, on j. the ends of which are mounted rollers 34. At thefront end of the bar 32 is located a 'ing the soldering operation are illustratedin IOO longitudinally-disposed stub-shaft 35, which is'fittecl to turn in the bar and carries a transverse shaft 36, on the. ends of which are mounted rollers 37. These rollers 34 and 37 are arranged to run in endless angle-iron guides 38. (See Figs. 1, 2, and 3.) The guides 38 are two in number and arranged in parallelism so that the carriers may pass between them, the guides following the course connections as may be convenient or ;-de-

sirable- The longitudinal bars. 32 of the carriers have transverse extensions 40, (see Fig. 9,) which are fastened to transverse bars 41 on the chain 25, thus establishing connec-' tion between the carriers of the chain. In

- Figs. 1 and 2 1 have only illustrated one carrier; but it will be understood that a number of these carriers will be provided in the operative machine, so that the work will be carried on as rapidly as possible. In Fig. 3 two carriers are shown. 'In practice the machine will be fitted with from twelve to eighteen carriers,- spaced equidistantalong the,

chain. The rollers 34 and 37 run in the guides 38, and these guides, therefore, cause .the carriers to move in fixed paths; notwithstanding their connection with the chain at the single point of the bars 40 and 41. By

arranging the shaft 35 to turn in the bar 32 of the carrier the carrier is allowed to accommodate itself to the movement of the chain.

Formed integral with or ri idly fastened to the back or body plate 31 0 each carrier is a web 42, this web extending longitudinally of the chain 25 and perpendicular to the plane thereof. (SeeFigs.8and9.) At theinner and outer edges of the web '42 are located the rigid shaping-walls 43. These parts 43, held rigidly together by the web 42, form the mandrel around which the can-body is shaped. 44 indicates the folding or shaping win s, which are mounted to rock on axes parallel with the direction of the run of i the chain 25 and are carried at their rear ends in the back or body plate 31, and at their forward ends in a T-shaped extension 45, projecting from the front end of the bar 32. These wings 44 are capable'of being thrown out into the position indicated by dotted lines in Fig. 9 and of movement inward toward each other to lie snugly over the mandreli. .e., the parts 43, as shown by full lines in Fig. 9. 46 indicates a stud projecting outwardly from the bar 32 and carrying aleaf-spring 47, which extends transversely of the chain 25 and has its end portions adapted to bear on eccentric projections 48, fastened to or formed integral with the wings 44 adjacent to the centers of their rocking movement. These springs serve to hold the wings 44 either in open or closed position, as the full and dotted lines in Fig. 9 indicate. The flat sheet or blankfrom which the can-body is formed is caused to be introduced into the carrier just inward of theinner shaping-wall 43 and to lie with its rear edge against the back wall 31. For holding this sheet during the folding and soldering operations I provide a gripper 49, which is carried on a lever 50, fulcrumed in the framing of the carrier and extending longitudinally of the chain. The rear end of the lever 50 projects through the rear plate 311 and is engaged by a spring 51 which bears between the lever and a rear extension 52 of the back plate 51. This spring i'sexpansive and acts to keep the grip per 49 normally pressed against the inner shaping-wall 43. A transverse shaft 53 is carried by the rear portion of the lever 50, and on this shaft are mounted rollers 54'.

These rollers run on the outer surfaces of the channel-iron guides 38, (see Fig. 1,) and the arrangement .of' the parts is such that normally the spring 51 is allowed to act and keep the gripper inoperative position. For

"the purpose'of throwing open the gripper at the time that the can-blank is entered into the carrier and also at the time that the canbody is ejected therefrom, 1 form on the outer-surfaces of the guides 38 enlargements or cam-like portions 55 and 46. As the rollers 54 run onto the cam-surfaces 55 and 56 they are thrown outward, and the spring 51 is compressed. This causes the gri per 49 to move inward, as indicated by the dotted lines in Fig. 8. When the carrier reaches the cam-surface 55 the gripper opens to permit the introduction of the tinsheet or blank, and when the carrier reaches the cam-surface 56 the gripper opens to permit the ejection of the can. With res ect to the carrier thus constructed it will e observed that the actions of the parts are positively controlled and rendered certain and exact, andit will also be observed that the construction is such as to make thecarrier as open and light as (possible, thus not only reducing material an weight, but attaining a still more important obj ectnamely, the susceptibility to quick heating and quick cooling, the heating being necessary during the time" that the solder is appliedto the seam, and the cooling being necessary during the period in which the solder is allowed to set.

The blanks or sheets of tin are indicated at 57 in Figs. 1 and 2. These blanks are supported in the position shown by means which will-cause the top or uppermost blank of the pile ,to be always at the same height, thus al owing the automatic feeding device to roperly engage the sheets. The means for heeping the pile of tin in this position may be any desired. For example, it may be the rack 58 and weighted sector 59.

they swing down into the level of the top' sheet 57. Each arm 60 carries a magnet 62,

which maybe either of the permanent horseshoe type or an electromagnet. I prefer a 'ermanent magnet, as shown in the drawmgs, and the strength of these magnets may be regulated by armatures placed at one point or another on the magnets, so as to cause them to accurately lift the sheets one at a time. The arms are located at the sides of the machines and are spaced apart, so that the carriers may move'between them, and

'these arms swinging simultaneously engage their magnets 62 with the respective end portions of the sheetsof tin, and then as the arms return the sheets of tin are carried up, so as to lie in, the path of the. carrier and so that as the carriers move against the sheets the sheets will be entered accurately between the inner wall 43 and the gripper 49, which under the action of the cams 55 will then be in open position. As the sheet of tin is lifted by the magnets of the feed device its lower edge is caused to ride over forwardly and downwardly curved guide-arms 63, carriedby the respective sides of the frame of the machine, and these guide-arms serve to justify the blankthat-is to say, to causeit to assume the proper vertical position, so that it will be properly received in the carrier. The magnets raise t e tin andengage it against vertical stops 64, (best shown in Fig. 2,) and simultaneously with this operation the edges of the sheet are engaged by'clamps 65, which are one for, each of the stops 64. As the clamps engage the tin and hold it against the stops 64 the magnets 62 continue their movement to the left in Fig. 1, so that they will pass clear of the carrier and its wings and permit these parts to move uninterruptedly. The tin is thus'held'in accurate position for the engagement of the carrier therewith, and, the instant that the carrier properly engages;

the tin and the gripper 49 returns to hold the tin. in the carrier the clam s 65 are thrown back to'their inactive posit1on, and the tin is thus free to moveon with the carrier. The clamps 65 have arms 66 attached thereto,

and to these arms'connecting-rods 67 have universal attachment by ball and socket joints. The connecting-rods 67 have universal connection with crank-disks 68, which are carried on stub-shafts 69, geared with spur-gears 70 on the shaft 21. By these devices 66, 67, 68, 69, and 70 the clamps 65 are given their proper movements. The arms 66 are driven in proper time by means of slotted extensions 71, connected therewith and having pitman-rods 7 2. oined thereto by means of pins running in the slots of the extension 71. These pitmen or connecting-rods 72 are driven from crank-disks 73, carried on the arranged on the supporting devces 58 and 59.

In other respects the-operation is entirely automatic, and owing to the thinness of the sheets a great number may be piled'at once on the supporting device, and thus the machine will not require attention for considerable periods. f

As the carrier moves downward from the position shown in Fig. 1 and engages the sheet of tin, the wings of the carrier are necessarily open in the position indicated by dotted lines in Fig. 9, and it now becomes necessary to close the wings so as to bend the tin and shape the can-body. When the arms 60 of the feeding device move upward and place the tin in position, they continue their upward movement, so as to clear the carriers, and then as the carriers engage the tin and move on with the same the arms 60 quickly resume their downward movement and overtake the carrier. The arms 60 then strike the outer sides of the wings 44 and start their inward or closing movement, after closing movement of the carrier-wings is finished by means of stationary guide-tracks 7 4. (See Figs. 1 and 3.) The guide tracks 74 have their upper ends suitably supported on For example,

rigid portions of the machine. they may be run inward and attached to the respective channel-iron guides 38, as indicated in Figs. 1 and 3. -They then curve outwardly sufficiently apart so that the wings of the carriers may move'betw'een them, afe

ter which they converge (see Fig. 3) until they are sufficiently close to cause the carrier-wings to move fully to closed position as they pass between them. The-carrier with its wings closed is shown in the lower part of Fig. 3. The upper part of Fig. 3 showsthe carrier with its wings fully open and with the arm 60 back of its wings, so that as the arm.

60 begins to movedownward it will strike the wings and start their closing operation. If desired, the tracks 74 may be so arranged that the Wings 44 ofv the carriers will run in a between them when fully opened, and then these tracks 74 will wholl perform the closing operation, rendering t e assistance of the arms 60 unnecessary. Asthe wings are moved into closed position they bend the tin up into the form of the can, and in the case of an angular can the edges of the tin or blank are lapped over each other, forming what is technically known as a lapped seam. The carrier is formed with a "roove 43 running along the outer siu'face o the outer wall 1-3, and in the groove is placed an aluminium strip 43 Tue parts are arranged so that i the seam of the can comes directly over this groove and the strip 43 supports the seam. The purpose of this is to leave an air-space back of the seam in the can, and this facili- Y tates the heating and cooling thereof. The can-body is now formed and is ready for the soldering operation, which will next bedescribed. I V

As the carrierwith its wings closed continuesits movement it runs from the track 74 onto extensions 75 ofsaid tracks. (See Fig.

1.) These extensions 75 are true continua-'- tions of the tracks 74, but they are arranged .parallel to each otherand atsuch distances apart that they will hold the wings 44 of the carrier tightly closed. --The wings are vided on their outer sides with suitable gu1deribs for the engagement of the arms and tracs k7 4 and 79. These guide-ribs are indicated at,76 in Fig. 3 and may be of any form desired, their purpose being to furnish surfaces for the effective engagement of the upward stroke of the ,piston 82 of the pumpcylinder, and the'duct 80 enters the cylinder 78 at the bottom thereof. The movement of the pumpthereforecauses the molten solder to be forced steadily from the pot 77 to the .pot 81. The pump-piston 82 is driven by suitable connections from a. crank-shaft 83,

and this shaft in turn is driven (see Fig. 1) by chain-and-sprocket gearing 84 from the shaft 21. 85 indicates the soldering-table, beneath which are located the gas-burners or other heater 86-. This table runs longitudinally of the machine under the lower run of the chain 25 and has formed thereon parallel ribs 87, which are spaced from each other to form a a duct for the molten solder, whichis indicated b the broken lines 88 in Fig. 7. This solderuct runs approximately the entire length of the table 85 and is so arranged that the seam of the can will be moved directly over it. In Fig. 7, 89 indicates the lapped seam of the can. Reference to Figs. 7 and 9 will show that the freeends of the Wings 44 of the carrier do not actually meet each other when closed, but leave a space between them. T e parts are so adjusted that the seaminv t e can occurs directly in this space, (see Fig. 7,) and the wings have their free ends so formed-that as the carrier moves over the soldering device the Wings will ride their free I The port 79 is-locate just below the limit of the.

edges along the ribs 87. This forms a close connection between the carrier and the sol-' der-duct and causes the solder which rises in the duct, as will be hereinafter explained,to effectively engage the seam and'work there- The pot 81 'communiinto so as to seal it. cates by passages 90 (see Figs. 4 and5) with the solder-duct formed by the ribs 87*, and as the solder is raised to the proper height in this pot it will fill the duct. The parts are so adjusted that the level of solder maintainedin the pot 81 will be exactly equalto the plane in' which the upper edges ofthe ribs 87 lie. Owing to the semifluid character of the molten solder, it will of itself run slightly above this level, and insteadof lying in exactly the plane. of the upper edges of the duct-ribs 87 it will arch up slightly above them, as indicated in Fig. 7.. This insures an effective contact between the seam and the solder and causes the solder to be thoroughly 1s applied to the seam. The solder whic sp1 led over the edges of the duct by the smearing action of t e carrier passing over it will flow onto the table and return therefrom front end of the solderingtab1e is located a roller 92, which is pressedup by a spring 93 and which lies directly in the path of the seam of the can. The can therefore runs its seam over this roller immediately prior to en gaging the soldering devices, and'the roller 9 ,by a passage 91 into' thepot 77. At the serves to flatten and compress the seam, 1

placing it in proper form for the solder. 94-

(ilper whichmay be of any suitwhich is carried on a sprin indicates a able form an sustained arm 95 at the rear end of thejso 'dering device. This Wiper serves to remove superfluous solder from the seam, and owing to the application of the spring to the arm'95 the-Wiper acts with a j erkmg movement, and

' as the can leaves it tends to throw the superfluous solder back onto the soldering-table. It will be observed that the soldering operation is thus efiected Without interrupting the ping it into a bath; Owing to the relative movement of-the carrier and without dip arrangement of the parts 87 and 44, as illustrated in Fig. 7, the solder will be applied only to the seam and will notbe smeared over the outer surface of the can. This arrangement very much simplifies the mechanism and reduces the resistance to driving the machine, since if the carrier track'or guides were formed witha dip therein considerable power would berequired to raise them from the dip after the soldering operation.

After the carrier moves from the soldering devices, the Wings 44 run off of the tracks 7 5, and the carrier then passes to the cooling device and the devices for opening the wings and ejecting the finished can-body. These deviceswill now be described.

After the carrier with the can-bod formed and soldered passes the-brush 941i; moves solder-duct.

dinally in the duct andpreferably extends onto a blower or cooler 96, (see Figs. land 15,) which may be of any suitable form and which is arranged to emit ,a blast of air against the seam, thus cooling and setting the solder.

Simultaneously with this operation the free ends of the wings at points immediately over the seam of the can-body are engaged b rails 97, which at their forward ends are c ose together and which gradually spread from each other, so that by the action of the carrier riding on these rails the wings are thrown from closed to open position. When this operation is ended, the rollers 54 run onto the cam-surfaces 56 of the guides 38, and the clamp 49 is then released. As the clamp is released'the ejector acts and throws the can off of the mandrel'namely, the parts 43.

The ejector comprises an arm 98, which is arranged to swing around a center 99- and is actuated by a star-cam 100 on ,the shaft 22.

101 indicates a spring for returning the arm 98, the arm being thrown rearward by the action of cam 100 on a pin 102 on the arm. The arm 98 is provided with a lateral extesion 103, (see Figs. 2 and 10,) this lateral extension carrying a dog'104', (see Figs. 1 and 10,) pivoted thereon and pressed by a spring 105.. (See Fig. 10.) The dog 104 is arranged to strike the sideof the can-body between the forming walls 43, and this dog moves withthe arm 98'in the same direction that the carrier is moving; but the movement of the dog is faster than the carrier, so that the dog overtakes the carrier and throws or kicks, so to speak, the can therefrom.

This completes the cycle of operations upon 7 -which the formation of'the can-body depends, and after the can is ejected the carrier moves upward and forward with its wings open and returns to the position shown in Fig. 1, where the above-described operations are resumed.

If desired, a strip of copper (indicated at 106 in Fig. 7) may be loosely placed in the' This copper strip lies longituthroughout the length thereof. Its width is but slightly less than that of the duct, and hence it cannot be displaced laterally to any material extent. The copper strip will be floated by the molten solder and will become highly heated by the heaters 86: As the strip of copper floats it engages the seam of the can, as Fi' 7 shows, and transmits heat thereto to facilitate the soldering o eration. In short, this strip 106 performs the nctions of a soldering-iron;

Figs 12, 13, and-14 illustrate certain details in the device for justifying and holding the blank sheets of tin. When square or angular cans are formed, it is not necessary to crimp the edges of the blank; but when round cans are formed'it is necessary to crimp the blank, so as to cause the seam to lie snug.

' 108 to engage the end edges of the sheet of tin justifier or guide-arms '63 are alsoshown in '-Figs. 12, 13, and 14, and in these views are the end edges of the blank are adapted to lie.

Working with these grooves are the clamps which are formed with beads thereon arranged to match with the. grooves 107, so that as these beads enter the groovesthe edges of the sheets of tin will be crimped. The stops 64 are'provided with tapered pins and serve to guide the same into proper position with respect to the carrier. At the bottom ends of-the stops rounding shoulders 109 are formed. These shoulders have the bottom edges of the tin rested thereonwhen the tin is in place, and they serve to sustain it, and owin to their rounding form as the tin is graspe by the carrier it may be readily pushed from the shoulders 109 and carried on with the movement of the carrier. 110 indicates permanent magnets, which are supported bythe stops 64 andwhich project through to thefront sides thereof to engage the end portions of the sheets of tin, so as to hold them in place. As the magnets 62 of the feeding device move the tin against the stops 64? the magnets 110 attract it, and then the magnets 62 leave the tin held by the magnets 110 and the parts 108 and 109. The

clearly shown notches 63, which are formed in the guide-arms, so as to permit the passage of the tin laterally with respect to these arms.

The tin indicated at 57 in Figs-. 12 and 13 I rides over the upper surface of the arms and is justified thereby, and then when the carrier engages the tin the latter passes throu h the notches63 and thus moves clear of t e jus-i tifying-arms. With respect to the auto 5 matic feeding devices, it must beborne in mind that itis necessary to .move'theblank tin into position for engagement with the carrier with great accuracy, since it is essential for the roper operation of the parts that the I I0 I tin be p aced in the carrier so that-the folding thereof will be effectively performed; Now as the feeding device moves up with the sheet of tin-the lower edge of the tin is moved alon J the guide-arms 63, and thetin is thus cause to assume a true horizontal position. Its movement is then continued until it strikes the stops 64 or 64 as the case may be. The pins 108 act to guide the tin laterally and then the magnets 110 grasp the tin and hold 12 it until the carrier arrives} and takes it ofi. The form of tin or blank holding devices shown in Figs. 1, 2, and 3 may be used, if desired, for square cans, and the devices shown in Figs. 12, 13, and 14 may be used for either 25 square or round cans. In either case I refer the devices shown in Figs. 12, 13, an 14. Iffround cans are to be constructed, the clamps 65 should be employed in connection with the stops 64*, having the grooves 3 107% butif square cans are to be employed it is only necessary to provide the stops 64 01 64 wlth the pins 108 and magnets 110, these par-ts working with the clamps 65 (shown in Fig. 2) and the arms 63 with the notches 63 If lock-seam cans are to ter 116 and is driven by a link'117, Working in a slotted extension 118 of the arm. The

fore described, or from any other suitable de--- link 117 may be driven from the disk 68, be-

vice. 119 indicates a pump cylinder, in which works a piston 120, connected to a rod 121, joined by a link 122 to the slotted extension 118 of the arm 114. The stack oftin is forced outwar or blanks is indicated at 57 in this view. (See Fig. .11.) The arm 114 swings from the position shown in full lines to that. shownin dotted lines in Fig. 11. As the arm- 114 movesdown the iston 120 moves up and air cFthrough the tube 115. As the arm 114. moves back to its raised position the piston 120 moves down and air is drawn into the tube 115. a This inward draft of air creates a suction at the head 112, and a plate or sheet of tin is raised with the arm. The suction-head 112 has a yielding movement in the arm'114, and. this enables a return movement of the arm and the starting of the suc tion action to begin before the head itself begins to return. By'this arrangement I insurethat a proper sucking action is exerted on the top sheet of tin before the returning movement of the suction-head is actually begun. This renders the operation of the device absolutely. certain.

The general operation of the apparatus may be traced as follows: Referring to Fig. 1, the pile of blanks 57 being in place on the holder 58 59 and the movement of thedriveshaft 28 started, the chain 25 will turn and the stub-shafts '69 will be driven. The feed device will move downward and lift a sheet of tin into the holding device, and then a car rier with its wings open will approach and engage a sheet of the tin, the back plate 31 of the carrier striking the upper edge of the sheet of tin, so as to justify its position in the carrier. The carrier continuing its move ment carries the sheet of tin downward, and

the arms 60, operating to grasp a second sheet of tin, strike the wings of the carrier and start their closing movement (See Fig. 16.) This movement iscontinued by the engagement of the carrienwings with the tracks 74, (see 17,) which causes the wings to close and assume the position. shown by the This com lower part of Fig. 3 and in-Fig. 8. Thetin being thus bent and shaped on the mandrel namely, the arts 43has now formed the can-bod an the carrier moves onto the solde'ring. evice,'where' the solder is applied. After the'application of the solder the carrier passes overthe 'blowinga'p aratus 96, and then upon engagement with the tracks 97 (see Fig. 19) the wings are thrown open. Finally the ejector goes into operation and the can is kicked offof' the carrier, after which the carrier passes upward and forward and the above described operation is repeated} c Various changes in the form,- details, and minor features of the organism above described may be resorted to at will without departing from the spirit of my invention. Hence I consider myself entitled to all organisms lying within the terms or intent of my claims. y

Having thus described my invention, I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patentr 1. A can-forming machine having a carrier with means for bending the blank to form the can, said carrier bein mounted to move uninterruptedly throng out the operation of the machine, blank-holding devices past which the carrier moves to take theblank,

.means for automatically feeding the blanks to the blank-holder, soldering devices past which the carrier moves, an ejector mounted inde endently of the carrier, and gearing for driving the ejector faster than the carrier and in the direction of movement thereof to throw the can'off the carrier.

2. In a can-forming machine, the carrier having a back or body wall in position to be enga ed by the can-blank, a mandrel carried rigid y thereby, and folding wings mounted to move over the mandrel.

roo-

3. In a can-forming machine, the carrier 7 having a back or body wall, a mandrel carried thereby, folding wings mounted to move over the mandrel, a longitudinally-extending bar fastened to the back plate, and means projecting from the bar, on which means and the back plate the wings are pivoted.

4. The combination of the chain and car rier, the carrier being fastened to the chain, a wheel mounted on the carrier, a second wheel, a shaft on which the second wheel is carried, and a stub-shaft carrying the other shaft and mounted to turn in the carrier.

5. r The combination of the chain and carrier, the carrier beiiog fastened to the chain, a wheel mounted on the carrier, a second wheel, a shaft on which the second wheel is carried, and a stub-shaft carrying the other shaft and mounted to turn in the carrier, the stub-shaft extending longitudinally of the chain.-

6. in a can-forming machine, the combina-- tion with the automatic feed, of the hoider receiving the blank tin from the feed, and in erases ing,,to the sto s and notched at oints adjacent thereto, or the purpose speclfied.

8i Ina can-forming machine, the solder device, comprising a relatively narrow solderduct lying longitudinally in the path of the can-carrier, means for supplying solder to. the duct, and a metallic strip ying loosely and freely movable in the duct, and oated by the solder therein-for the purpose specified,

9. In a can-forming machine, the combination with the automatic feed, of stops between which the feed moves and against which the blank tin is placed, and aclamp working with,

each sto to clamp the tin thereoni 10. T e combination, with a carrier mount-- ed to move through themachine, and com rising folding wings adapted to bend and ormthe blank, and also comprising means for releasably holdingthe wings either in open or closed position, of stationary tracks past swinging arm and, the pump to operate the which t e carrier runs to open and close the wings, the tracks for opening the wings being divergent and having their near edges adapted to enter between the contiguous ends of the wings so that the wings will ride along said divergent tracks to spread the wings apart and means for driving the carrier.

1 1.' The combination of moving carrier having wings for bending the blank and also hav-' ing means for releasably-holding the wings either in open or closed position, 'conver ing rails along which the wings move to c ose them, divergin rails along which the wings move to open t em, the divergent rails having their near edges adapted to entenbetween the contiguous ends of the. wings so that as the wings ride on said rails the wings are spread apart and means for driving the car men 1 12. In can-forming machine, the combination of the carrier com rising the body part, the mandrel carried tl iereb the wings arranged'to fold over the man rel, a gripper coacting with the mandrel, a lever ada ted to be actuated to release the i er, an a spring pressing on the lever to Ii olli the gripper'normally in active position, means for moving the carrier. throu h the machine, and means for operating sai lever.

18. In a can-forming machine, the carrier comprising the combination with the body part, the mandrel carried thereby and the wings arranged to fold over the mandrel, of a ripper coacting with the mandrel, a lever a apted to be actuated to release the ripper, a spring pressing on the lever to hold t e gripper normally in active position, and a roller carried on an axis transverse to the length of the lever, forimplarting movement to the lever contrary to t e spring, v

14. In a can-forming machine, the carrier having the body ortion, the mandrel, the

' wings arranged to old over the mandrel, said wings having eccentric projections adjacent to their pivoted ends, and a s ring bearing on I said eccentric projections an serving to hold the wings releasably either in open or closed position. j p

15. The combination of the chain and carrier, the carrier being fastened to the chain,

two members carried ythe carrier and ada ted to run on-a guiding-track, and means or mounting one of said members to swing around an axis essentially longitudinal of the chain, said means comprising a shaft transverse to the chain and a stub-shaft carrying the first-named shaft and mounted to turn in the carrier longitudinally of the chain.

16. In a can-formin machine, the combination with the means or forming and soldering the can, of the automaticfeeding device comprising a swinging arm, a suction-head carried thereby for grasping the blank tin, a pump, an operating connection between the latter; and gearing connectlng' the swinging arm with the means for forming and soldering the can.

17. The combination of a swinging arm, a suction-head carried thereby, a pump-cylinder having connection with the suction-head, a pump-piston, an operating connection between the swin ing arm and the pump-piston, and means for driving the swinging arm.

18. The combination of a suction head, means for movably mounting the same, a P p a pump an suction-head, a mechanical connecneumatic connection between the tion between the suction-head and pum to operate the two in unison, and means for riving said parts.

19. In a can-forming machine, the Jcombination with the automatic feed, of the stops between which the feed passes and against which'the blank tin is moved, and the outwardl arms eading to the. stop 20. In a can-forming machine, the soldering device comprising means forming a solder-duct adapted to have the can moved over it to-supply solder to the seams, and a metallic strip laced loosely and freely movable in said not whereby to be floated by the solder therein, for the purpose specified. 21. Ina can-forming machine, the combination of a moving carrier adapted to form the can, stationaryv means for holding the blanks in the path of the carrier so that the carrier may engage the blanks, an operative meniber movable to,and from said holding means, automatically to deposit the blank in and downwardly curved justifyingthe said holding means, and gearing for driving the carrier and the'said operative memcontinuously-and in unison.

23. In a can-forming machine; the combination of a carrier adapted to fold the blank to form the can, means for holding the blank in the path of the carrier, a swinging arm arranged to feed the blanks to said holding means, a curved justifying-arm along which the blank is moved in its passa e to said blank-holding means, and gearing or operating the said arm and carrier continuously and in unison.

24. In a can-forming machine, the 'comb1 nation of a movin carrier adapted to fold the blank to form t e can, means for'holding a stack of blanks, means for holding a blank in the path of the carrier to permit the carrier to engage the blank, an operative member movable between-themeans for holding the pile of blanks and the means for holding the blank in the path of the carrier and serving individually to transfer the blanks from i the stack to the means for holding the blanks I a stationary blank-holder, and a stationaryin the path of the carrier, and gearing for driving the carrier and said operative member continuously and in unison.

25." In acan-forming machine, the combination with the carrier for foldin the blank to form the can, of means for feedin the blanks, a blank-holder receivin the b anks from the feeder, said blank-hol er including an operating-gripper, and gearing for drivin the carrier, the feeding means and the .sai gripper, continuously and in unison.

. 26. In a can-forming machine, the combination with the mechanical feeding means, of stops between which the feed moves and against which the blanktin is placed, a clamp ing or gripping device. working a ainst the .stops, and means for operating 'sai clamping or grippin device and the feeding means continuous yand in unison with each other. 27.. In a caneforming machine, the combination of-a swingin arm having a gripping device at its free en to eagage the blank tin,

justifying-arm projecting outward from the stationary blank-holder and following the arc of movementof the swingin arm, whereby to-have the edge of the blan move alon the justifying-arm as the blank is advanced to the holder, for the purpose specified.

. 28. In a can-forming machine, the combination a swinging'arm having a gripping 1 device atits free end to engage the blank tin, a blank-holder, and a justifying-arm projecting from the blank-holder and adapted to have the edge of the blank move along the same as it advances to the holder, for the purpose specified, and the said justifying-arm the center ofthe swinging movement of the arm.

29. In a can-forming machine, the combi nation with the carrier having the means for shaping the blank to form the can, of a blankholder adapted to' hold the blank in the path of the carrier,to be engaged thereby, said blank-holder including a magnet to attract the tin.

30. In a can-forming machine, the combishaping the can-body, of a blank-holder adapted to receive the blank and hold the same in the path of the carrier, said holder includin tapered pins between which the tin is move to justify it.

31. In a can-soldering machine, the combination of a carrier, comprising themandrel and the folding wings, the latter having their opposite edges separated to expose the seam in the can, a solderin device over which the carrier runs, said evice comprising ribs forming a duct adapted to be received befolding wings, and means for supplying said duct with molten solder. v

32. In a can-soldering machine, the combination of a carrier, comprising the mandrel and the folding wings, the latter having their opposite edges separated to expose the seam carrier runs, said evice comprising ribs forming a duct adapted to be received befolding wings, and means for supplying said duct with molten solder, said duct having a 33. In a can-soldering machine, the combi nation of a carrier, comprising the mandrel and the folding wings, the latter having their in the can, a soldering device over which the carrier runs, said device comprising rib'sforming a duct adapted to bereceived between the said opposite edgesof the carrier folding wings, means for, supplying'said duct with molten. solder, and a metallic strip placed loosely and freely movable within the duct and adapted to be floated-by the'solder therein, whereby said strip bears upon the seam, for the purpose specified.

34. Ina can-forming machine, the combination with the soldering means of the carrier mounted to move past the soldering means and comprising a mandrel and means for foldin the can-b ank over the mandrel, said man rel having a groove formed therein being curved in an are slightly eccentric to nation with the carrier having the means for in the can, a solderin device over which the tween the said opposite edges of the carrierj;

continuous opening or slot in its, upper portion through which the'solder passes.

tween .the said opposite-edges of the carrier opposite edges separated to expose the seam and the groove-being positioned to lie diback of the seam to permit the rapid cooling of the solder, and a supporting-strip extending longitudinally through the said groove, and adapted to en age the seamed part of the can to support the same against external pressure.

36. In a can-forming-machine, the carrier, comprising the body portion, the mandrel supported thereon, the means for folding the blank over the mandrel, a gripper working against the mandrel to hold the blank, an intermediately-fulcrumed lever with which one end of the gripper is pivotally connected, and means working with the other end of the lever automatically to operate the same.

37. In a can-forming machine, the moving carrier comprising a body, a mandrel supported thereon, means mounted on the body for folding the blank overthe mandrel, a

gripper coacting with the mandrel, for the purpose specified, means having connection with the gripper to mount the same, a spring pressing the gripper into action, a laterally projecting part connected with the gripper and an inclined track adaptedto be engaged by said part to release the gripper.

38. In a can-forming machine, the carrier comprising the body portion, the mandrel, the folding wings, and a spring coactin with the wings and serving yieldingly to ho d.the Wings either in open or closed position.

39. In a can-forming machine, the carrier comprising the body portion, the mandrel, the folding wings coacting with the mandrel and having extensions projected from the pivoted portions of the wings, and a spring fastened to the body intermediate its ends and having its ends respectively bearing against the said projections, for the purpose specified.

40. In a can-forming machine, the combination ofthe carrier comprising the folding wings, means for mounting the carrier to move through the machine, converging rails adapted to be engaged by the wings, whereby to close the wings, the said wings having their opposing ends spaced apart, and di- 7 verging rails adapted to be entered between sai ends of the wings, whereby to throw the wings into open position.

41; In a can-forming machine, the combination with the carrier moving continuously and uninterruptedly throughout the operation ofthe machine, of a lever mounted independently of the carrier and past which the carrier moves, a do on the lever, to engage the can and throw it off of the carrier, and means for operatin the lever, said lever moving in the same irection that the carrier moves, but faster than the movement of the carrier, whereby to overtake and eject the can.

42. The combination of a swinging arm,-a suction-head carried thereby, a pump, .a pneumatic connection between the pump and suction-head, a slotted arm connected with the swinging arm, a link having connection with the pump-piston, and with the slotted arm, and means for imparting a swinging movement to the slotted arm.

43. In a can-forming machine, the combination of the chain, the carrier attached thereto, and the endless guides or tracks on which the carrier is adapted to run, the carrier having two members running on said guides or tracks to mount the carrier, and the carrier also having means for mounting one of said members to swing or rock on the carrier around an axis essentially longitudinal of the chainand central with respect to the carmar.

44. In a can-forming machine, the combination of a chain, a carrier attached thereto and the endless guides 01' tracks on which the carrier is adapted to run, the carrier having two members running on said guides or tracks to mount the carrier, and the carrier also having means for mounting one of said members to swing on the carrier around an axis essentially longitudinal of the chain.

In testlmony whereof I have signed my name to this specification in the presence of two subscribing witnesses.

LEE 0. SHARP. Witnesses: i

I. B. OWENS, J NO. M; BITTER. 

